Slipper revives a centuries-old tradition

A tradition that has not seen the light of day in Australia for 30 years was revived today.

Peter Slipper, the newly appointed Speaker of the House, conducted what is known as a Speaker's procession, where he walked with two parliamentary staff on a circuitous route from his office to the House of Representatives, with one staff member carrying the ceremonial speaker's mace.

Mr Slipper has already raised eyebrows for wearing the ceremonial gown while sitting in the speakers chair. Unlike Coalition speakers, Labor speakers have never worn any ceremonial garb.

The tradition of Speaker's procession is something that is still practised today in the House of Commons in London, and it was a 'functional' tradition in that in the past it was a way to ensure that the speaker, who often lived far away from the Commons, could cut through the crowds quickly to get to work.

However, in the modern Australian parliament, the speaker's office is close to the House of Representatives chamber, so few have seen the need to have a procession.